Women who opt for breast uplift surgery generally complain that their breasts have changed. They frequently use words such as ‘lost shape’, ‘feel empty’, ‘pendulous’ and ‘sagging’ to describe the way they feel about their breasts.
Following their mastopexy, women often say that they feel less self-conscious about their bodies. They feel more confident with their firmer, shapelier breasts and can wear clothes they would have been unable to wear prior to surgery.
Am I suitable for breast uplift surgery/mastopexy?
If you are happy with the size of your breasts but feel they have lost shape or become droopy then you may be suitable for breast uplift surgery.
Women often ask if breast augmentation/enlargement or breast reduction can be performed at the same time as the mastopexy. This is possible but depends very much on the individual. Mr Fenn will be able to advise you on this during your first consultation.
If you are considering breast uplift surgery then the first step is to arrange an appointment with Mr Chris Fenn. After an examination of your breasts and a discussion about your medical history, Mr Fenn will be able to confirm your suitability for the operation.
To ensure that you make an informed decision, Mr Chris Fenn will discuss the risks associated with breast uplift surgery and will encourage you to ask questions and take your time to think about the procedure before you decide to go ahead.
It is worth noting that as pregnancy and breast feeding can stretch the breasts, it is better to perform the mastopexy operation when your family is complete.
What does breast uplift surgery/mastopexy involve?
Performed under a general anaesthetic, breast uplift surgery takes approximately 1 ½ - 2 hours and involves a 1-2 night stay in hospital.
There are various ways to perform breast uplift surgery and Mr Fenn will discuss the most appropriate technique for you during your initial consultation.
A. Similar to breast reduction surgery, the most common approach involves making incisions in the lower part of the breast, usually along the natural crease, up the mid-line of the breast and around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped and uplifted. The nipples are repositioned and the remaining skin is tightened around the newly shaped breasts. This surgical method leaves a fine ‘inverted T’ or ‘anchor shaped scar where the cuts were made.
B. In cases where there is less surplus skin, another technique may be performed. The ‘vertical scar’ method involves making incisions around the areola and vertically down to the natural breast crease.
C. A third technique may be used for women who only have a small amount of drooping. Excess skin is removed from around the nipple, leaving a very fine circular scar.
How long does it take to recover?
For the first week or two, you may have a little discomfort but this can be managed with painkilling tablets.
You may have more or less sensation in your nipples but this is usually temporary whilst the scars heal. You will need a supportive bra for several weeks after the breast uplift and whilst you will be advised to avoid rigorous activity, you will be encouraged to stay as mobile as possible.
If you are an office worker, you should be able to return to work a couple of weeks after surgery. You may need 4 weeks off work if you have a more manual job role.
You will be asked to return to the hospital for follow-up appointments with both the cosmetic surgery nursing team and Mr Chris Fenn to ensure your breasts are healing correctly.
Does Mr Fenn perform redo/revision breast surgery?
Mr Chris Fenn has particular expertise in restoring the natural shape and form of a breast in situations when the breast has developed an unusual look following previous breast surgery. With extensive experience in breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery, Mr Fenn can offer advice on potential corrective surgery and offer options to improve the look, size or shape of the breasts.
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Male breast reduction surgery/gynaecomastia
Male breast reduction surgery/gynaecomastia is also performed by Mr Chris Fenn.
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How much does breast uplift surgery cost?
If you would like to know the price for a mastopexy, contact Mr Chris Fenn’s secretary, Claire Bartle-Coates on 0113 218 5971, email Claire.bartle-coates@spirehealthcare.com or complete an on-line enquiry form.
How can I find out more about breast uplift surgery?